Marcos Martinez, 9, left, and Josh Goldstein, 13, work on the backdrop for a stop-motion clay animation film with the help of photographer Evan Curtis. The youth worked with clay to create characters and then took art supplies and random objects to create an elaborate backdrop that served as the set for filming. It was part of a class sponsored by the Kirtland Arts and Crafts Center. (Photo by Joanne Perkins)

The Sodium Guidestar at the Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate's Starfire Optical Range. Researchers with AFRL use the Guidestar laser for real-time, high-fidelity tracking and imaging of satellites too faint for conventional adaptive optical imaging systems.The SOR's world-class adaptive optics telescope is the second largest telescope in the Department of Defense. (Courtesy photo)

Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate’s Starfire Optical Range 3.5-meter telescope. The world-class adaptive optics telescope is the second largest telescope in the Department of Defense. (Courtesy photo)

Col. Eric Froehlich (left), 377th Air Base Wing commander, passes the 377th Medical Group guidon to Col. Jeffrey White at a change of command ceremony July 2. White assumed command of the group at the ceremony, replacing former commander Col. Rachel Lefebvre. (Photo by Jamie Burnett)

The F-15E OT322 taxis in preparation for takeoff. An inert version of the upgraded B61 nuclear weapon was released it from the aircraft over the Nellis Test and Training Range Complex. The B61 is in the process of a life-extension program, which includes upgrading aging components and a new tail kit assembly. (Courtesy photo)

Catherine Smith, 11, dances at the Youth Center dance camp performance June 26. The performance for family and others capped off five days of frantic activity for the performers in a dance camp that has become a staple of the Youth Center’s summertime events. (Photo by Jamie Burnett)